I'm thinking about getting a .22lr barrel for my contender. Is there really a lot of difference between a standard .22lr and a Match .22lr barrel? Thanks,

Bob

M Ranch,

Greetings! You will likely get a variety of opinions on this matter! Here is mine...

In the .22LR match vs .22 LR Contender barrels question, here are some random thoughts:

Barrel length matters in the decision making process. Are you going to hunt squirrel, or go with a heavier long range setup? If you are going for Squirrels, then I recommend the 10" barrel.

If going with the 10" this will seem a bit surprising, but it has been my experience with the **standard chamber** 22lr Contenders, that many of the 10" barrels chambered this way have actually been more accurate then the 14" **standard chamber** barrels. So 10" in a **standard chamber** barrel is an excellent choice

At 25yards (or typical Squirrell distances) one cannot really tell the difference between the accuracy of the two chamberings in a 10" barrel, as with either chambering in a 22lr the bullets would all go in the same hole if you shoot from a rest. One may regularly shoot .22 LR empty cases lined up at 25 meters with the 10" 22lr Contenders using scopes.

If it were me, and the choice were a 14" barrel, then I'd advise the opposite and spend the extra few $$$ and get the match barrel. I have no regrets about getting the various match 22's I have owned.

Just keep in mind that the tighter tolerances of the match chamber **will** limit you so that you cannot shoot CCI Stingers without wrecking the chamber. Ammo is a distinct factor when pondering either choice of chamber. Stingers (and some other hyper vel 22's) have a slightly LONGER case, and the rim of the case will engrave the rifling of the slightly SHORTER & tighter factory match chamber and ruin it.

Just stick to standard 22lr ammo if you do get a match chamber, and an added benefit (because of that tight match chamber) is that typical velocity is at least 100-150 fps faster than the standard chamber anyway, and that makes it very near even with the hyper velocity stuff.

I even recall one fellow who posted a year or so ago who stated his 10 inch 22 lr match T/C barrel when checked with a chronograph, got within 20 fps of what his 10/22 would do.

NOTE: In my experience, the match chamber does NOT make it more difficult to load and unload.

Thoroughly confused now?

The easy **Bottom Line** anwser I came to years ago when presented with the same question was, if getting a 10", go with either choice and be happy (I even use one of the old Octagonal 10" 22lr as my Squirrell gun w/ 6x riflescope).

If getting a 14" then definately go for the match chamber as it makes a distinct and measurable difference in accuracy.

Thanks Sean, I'm glad I asked! I figured there was more to consider then what I was considering!!

I didn't know that some .22lr cases where longer then others!

Bob

I have a 10" match and REALLY like it! It has done some serious groups when i have done my part!



[ 11-15-2002, 08:43: Message edited by: MSSmagnum ]

Mike, Wow, That is some mighty fine shooting! It's amazing that the little .22lr can be so accurate! Of course I know you had a lot to do with that group also!
Time to get serious looking for a new barrel!!

Bob

I had a 10" 22lr match ss tube, and it would put 5 shots into 1/2" or less if I did my part. I haven't shot the std chambered barrels so can't comment on their accuracy.

I really can't see the reason for getting a 14" 22lr, there is no appreciable gain in velocity ie terminal performance, and I find the longer tubes ungainly to carry. If you're talking about a bottlenecked centerfire, then the 14" tubes definately have their place, but I just don't see any reason to use them on straight cased rounds, or the smaller cased centerfires.